Be Good to Your Gums

Keep on flossing! Left unchecked, gum disease is more than a mouth problem--it can boost the risk of other health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory infections, and premature birth.

Meanwhile, experts are discovering that some health woes can, in turn, make gum disease worse. Here's the scoop:

"Women with gum disease are three to eight times more likely to go into premature labor than those with healthy gums," according to Marjorie Jeffcoat, DMD, chairperson of the department of periodontics at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry in Birmingham, who is heading a study of 2,500 women. "The more severe the disease is, the greater your odds are of premature labor."

Meanwhile, diabetes and osteoporosis can raise the risk for gum disease. "Diabetes inhibits immune response, leaving you more vulnerable to infection," explains Jack Caton, DDS, professor of periodontology at the University of Rochester in New York and president of the American Academy of Periodontology.And as osteoporosis thins your bones, it can leave your jawbone more vulnerable to erosion due to gum disease, explains Dr. Jeffcoat.

So what is the best gum protection plan? Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and have a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year, Dr. Jeffcoat says. These steps can also help:

Add a bacteria-fighting mouthwash.
Using an antimicrobial rinse in addition to brushing and flossing can also minimize gum disease and its complications. Rinses are available over-the-counter or by prescription. Talk to your dentist about the best one for you.

Ask about periodontal pockets.
If you have gum disease, these pockets form where tooth meets gum. Ask your dentist how your gums are doing. The earlier that gum disease is diagnosed and treated, the better.

If you have trouble flossing, dental toothpicks or tiny brushes may be just the solution for you.

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